Ted Williams’ opinion piece, “Humans — and deer — are healthier when we live with mountain lions,” makes an important point about how Utah manages wildlife. Predator removal alone is unlikely to rebuild deer herds.
As a longtime resident of Utah who spends a lot of time on our public lands, I fully understand the concern about mule deer. But decades of research indicate that, when compared to the impact of mountain lions, prolonged drought, habitat fragmentation, severe winters and the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are far more significant drivers of deer declines. Removing predators does not address those underlying pressures.
Predators are part of a functioning ecosystem. Mountain lions often remove vulnerable and diseased deer, including animals affected by CWD, which can contribute to healthier herds over time. Healthy and balanced predator-prey systems contribute to resilient ecosystems that support forests, watersheds, hunters, ranchers, and outdoor communities alike.
Utah has a long tradition of thoughtful wildlife stewardship. State wildlife management should reflect that tradition by focusing on habitat, science and long-term resilience.
John Ziegler, Chair of Mountain Lion Foundation, Park City